Living in Nepal – the good, the bad and the ugly
The Kathmandu Experience:
IBA is only a short walk from Boudhanath Stupa, which is surrounded by monasteries where many lamas of all Tibetan traditions live and teach. The area around Boudhanath Stupa offers many modern conveniences, including ATMs, Internet and laundry services. There are several supermarkets catering to most needs and first-class medical facilities, employing both foreign and local staff.

Weekend activities and holy sites:
Throughout Nepal, there are literally hundreds of holy sites, stupas and shrines that the students can visit on the weekends. Students can also practice their Tibetan by befriending and mingling with the local Tibetan community in the shops and restaurants surrounding the main Bouddhanath Stupa. The longer holiday breaks in the program are a good opportunity to visit India’s many holy sites and attend or request teachings from lamas.

The bad and the ugly:
Nepal is a developing nation and one of the poorest in the world.  This causes a range of problems. You can expect to see people living in poverty and many sick dogs. You can also expect to develop stomach trouble if you buy food from street vendors. There is a severe shortage of electricity which causes many hours of controlled load-shedding (blackouts).

The key to a successful stay in Nepal is not to have high expectations that demand what we are accustomed to in the West. If you have traveled in South Asia or visited other developing countries, you will have no trouble adjusting to a simple life in Nepal. For example, we have an ecologically friendly water heating system. Since it is heated by natural sunlight, students who prefer the warmest showers will have to wait until after lunch.

The Nepali people are generally warm and friendly, and there is very little personal security risk. For the peace of mind of the students, the IBA campus has a guard on duty 24 hours a day.